Aboriginal Teacher Education Program
  History

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A research and consultation project was formally undertaken in August 1989 by agreement of Principal David Smith of Queen's University and President John Stubbs of Trent University. A steering committee was constituted to reflect the principle of partnership between the universities and representative organizations of the First Nations Communities in Ontario. Following the first steering committee meeting the project formally came under the joint sponsorship of participating First Nations organizations and the two universities.

In undertaking the project the steering committee recognized that the general need for increasing the representation of First Nations people in teaching and allied roles has been documented elsewhere, in reports to the Ministry of Education in recent years and in draft documents prepared by the Native Advisory Committee to the Minister of Colleges and Universities.

The program outlined in the report proposed means of facilitating First Nations participation in and graduation from a university program of teacher preparation which is modified with respect to content and delivery, made more accessible by means of affirmative action in admissions, and rendered more hospitable through provision of enriched support services.

While the original proposal for the Aboriginal Teacher Education Program was in accord with short-term educational goals of First Nations people, the steering committee has acknowledged that the long-term agenda for Aboriginal control of Aboriginal education may lead to the establishment of autonomous Aboriginal post-secondary institutions.

Participants in the consultation project support the goal of First Nations self-determination. The full report is a concrete statement of how Queen's and Trent Universities may contribute to achievement of that goal through culturally appropriate education of teachers and allied professionals.

On October 25, 1990, Queen's Senate endorsed the development of a teacher education program for First Nations education at Queen's University, for later presentation to Senate for approval. In April of 1991, Queen's Faculty of Education Faculty Board unanimously approved that a program in Aboriginal Teacher Education be offered as an additional alternative program within the Bachelor of Education at Queen's University and that, subject to approval by the appropriate government ministries, a Diploma Program in Aboriginal Teacher Education be established at the Faculty of Education. Subsequently, a diploma program was established.

The Aboriginal Teacher Education Program (ATEP) boasts both a community-based program that is delivered on a part-time basis, and an on-campus program that runs full-time. Courses are adapted to local context, local needs and include First Nations perspectives. The program balances First Nations specific and student-centered learning with knowledge of the teaching/learning process and research on First Nations education. Program components include courses specific to First Nations education, general Faculty of Education and other courses which have been adapted for community-based delivery in response to First Nations community needs, and practicum placements in First Nation schools.

The community-based program began in the Manitoulin-North Shore area in the fall of 1991. A community-based, part-time studies option is presently being offered in the Manitoulin-North Shore and the Fort Frances regions of Ontario.